ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Lamar University's women's basketball team hoped to pickup a Thanksgiving Day win in their second and final St. Pete's Showcase game against a talented Nebraska squad. But while LU jumped out to a double-digit lead early, they were unable to hold off a late first half Cornhusker rally, which would lead to a 75-61 loss for Big Red.

Sabria Dean led LU with 19 points on 7-of-11 shooting from the field. Akasha Davis and T'Aliyah Miner each put down 11 points for the Cardinals. Big Red finished the game shooting 43.4% from the field, but would outscore Nebraska 15-11 in points off turnovers and 32-26 in points in the paint. 

Dean opened things by hitting her first three shots giving herself a 6-2 lead against Nebraska. In fact, the Cardinals knocked down their first four shots to increase the early lead to 10-4. The Cornhuskers would answer with an 8-2 run before T'Aliyah Miner connected on six straight points while Taylor converted a lay-up to grab a 20-14 lead after one. LU managed to make 81.8% from the field missing two of their 11 field goals. 

A three by Malay McQueen and a layup by Hill opened the second with LU grabbing their first double-digit lead of the game at 25-14. But the game swung in Nebraska's favor as they stormed out to a 21-3 surge to lead 35-28. The Cardinals were held to 40.0% from the field while the Cornhuskers went 9-of-13 from the field. A three by Dean and a layup by Nebraska brought LU a 37-31 deficit at the break. Dean finished the half with 11. 

The Cardinals closed the gap to 39-35 early in the third quarter, but couldn't get close as with each time LU got to within a two-possession game, Nebraska extended it to three-possessions. Dean would pick up eight points in the quarter while Miner's four points brought LU to within 49-46. Once again, the Cornhuskers stretched their lead out to eight points to lead 56-48 after three. LU shot 33.3% from the field in that quarter.

The Cornhuskers obtained their double-digit lead after starting the fourth quarter at 63-50. All of a sudden, LU managed to get themselves with 63-57 following a McQueen three. But Nebraska would put the game away down the stretch with a 12-4 run to make the final 75-61. 

LU will take the next week off to rest and recuperate before returning to action. Next up for the Cardinals will be a December 6th meeting against head coach Aqua Franklin's alma mater of Texas A&M in College Station. The tipoff will begin at 11:00 a.m.
 

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